flappa replied:

I'm assuming you are referring to the bars that go between the vehicle and the Caravan.

After seeing a small 14ft van go over after getting a HUGE sway up . . . ANY caravan I own will most definently have anti sway bars attached.

Its not only about the sway of the van , I think they also refer to them as weight distribution hitches.

It allows weight from the van to be spread towards the front wheels of the towing vehicle. It stops the bouncing effect which can be very severe and cause loss of steering.

Yes , I would put them on a 17ft van , it will make it fair nicer and safer to tow.

Member -Dodger replied:

Tarester,
Yes you will probably need the load distribution bars to help with the towing of the van. They assist with the tendancy of some vans to sway and also help to put the weight carried by the rear wheels of your vehicle to the front wheels. All a little mystifying but they are very beneficial to towing.
Most vans require some sort of weight distribution hitch regardless of size.
See MSN caravanners forum.
groups.msn.com/caravanersforum/_homepagemsnw
The above site should be of some help.

trendy replied:

I agree with flappa, any caravan towed behind my car has and will continue to have these anti sway bars fitted. They also take up some of the tow ball weight which is beneficial in so many ways. Less stress on your vehicles suspension, better steering control and better braking for starters. Even small vans can get a sway up in strong winds and these bars will help heaps. IMO you may not need the Hayman Reese distribution bars depending on your tow ball weight. I have towed with sizeable loads and tow ball weghts with only these sway bars and have never felt I needed anything more. Happy and safe caravanning Judy.
Regards Trevor.

Tarester replied:

Thanks to you also Dodg. Will check out website...... Appreciated...

D-Jack replied:

By the way, it's 'TORSION'!!!!

Steve replied:

mine's a mere 15 footer but I wouldn't be without the torsion bars. Don't know if you're a big girl or not but they take a bit of grunt to get em on. Once you've been on the motorway though, and a semi-trailer whooshes by, you'll feel a slight sway with the bars on. That's all. Most of us have seen vans being towed without them and they suddenly start swaying all over the place. Get down to your van supplier. They don't cost a fortune particularly if you don't go for the full Hayman Reese system. The half-moon block for your tow-bar and 4 torsion bars'll do the trick. Happy vanning.

Member - Luxoluk replied:

Hi Judy
Horses for courses is really what it's all about. If you are driving a 3 tonne truck with really heavy leaf springs then the chances are you will need very little if any support. If you are driving a suzuki swift then you'd be better off powering the van and towing the vehicle behind!! Independent suspension such as Commodore is a real nightmare trying to set up. Solid rear axle such as (was/is) in the Falcon is preferable. A 4wd with leaf rear springs is probably the better pick for towing rather than a coil spring set up. Obvoiusly there are limitations here for those who want the vehicle for other attributes such as wheel articulation etc. Best advice is to get advice from experienced caravan people. It's taken me 20 years to get mine right!! Cheers

dingbat replied:

Judy
I have purchased a new D shaped thing on its own for about $50, try Caravan Accessories(I think they are the actual makers) in Kogarah-Sydney Suburb-on 0295883400 or any caravan dealer who sells Caravan Acessories products and look for part no 40330120, these part numbers are pretty standard throughout the industry. I presume the van already has the brackets on the draw bar to accept the rods, part no40330130, with the rods being part no 40330100.
As far as I am aware here in the ACT these bits are available separately and should be at any decent caravan dealer.

goodluck and enjoy
ding